Oneida County man charged with sex crime against a child, police say

UTICA, N.Y. -- A Utica man was charged with sex crimes against a child following an investigation, the Oneida County Sheriff's Office said Thursday.

Edward Abounader, 40, was charged with predatory sexual assault against a child.

The sheriff's office said the case was investigated by a sheriff's office investigator currently assigned to the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center.

Authorities did not provide specifics of the case, but said the case is being referred to the Oneida County District Attorney's Office for grand jury consideration. More state or federal charges could follow, then sheriff's office said.

The sheriff's office said Abounader's arrest was the culmination of a week-long investigation that included the sheriff's office, state police, Rome police and Utica police.

Abounader was arrested Wednesday afternoon and held pending arraignment in Utica City Court Thursday. There is no bail on the charge.